Dead Born

Inspector Best #2

by Joan Lock

The thrilling sequel to Dead Image is again based on fact—a dramatic murder case is set against an 1878 historic tragedy When the bodies of a number of babies are found scattered around Islington, the volatile Detective Sergeant Best is sent undercover to lodge next door to a suspected baby farm. He shadows an alleged "child dropper" onto a Thames pleasure steamer and finds himself caught up in Britain's worst civilian tragedy—the 1878 sinking of the Princess Alice—a ghastly experience which will haunt Best forever. His determination to avenge the death of a young pregnant girl he had befriended and save the life of another becomes a crusade. Meanwhile, his beloved Helen returns from Paris with the promise of a decision as to their future.

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2002

About the author

Ex-policewoman JOAN LOCK is the author of non-fiction books and crime novels. She has been a regular contributor to the police press and the journal of the Crime Writers' Association. She has also written short stories, radio plays and radio documentaries. She lives in London.

Reviews

[Dennis Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joan Lock's Dead Born is a gripping trip back to the past of Scotland's 1878. Baby farming is the norm. Some are lucky; they get adopted by good families. Others are not so lucky. They are born to die at the hands of nefarious doctors and matrons running illegal birthing homes. Scotland Yard's Sergeant Best is assigned to investigate a birthing house suspected of killing the newly born.

If you like historical fiction, you'll love this little tale of mayhem and skulduggery. The book's cover is picturesque and the back cover is easy to read. My only issue was with the chosen font. It could have been larger to make for easier reading. I would like to read Joan Lock's other Dead titles but the font size will probably sway me to forgo the pleasure. Ms. Lock, please consider using a larger font. My eyes ache.

[Damaskcat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Sergeant Best is working undercover loosely disguised as an amateur artist recuperating from an illness. He takes lodgings next door to a house which is believed to be a baby farm and responsible for dead babies whose bodies are being found in various places throughout London. On a personal level he is waiting for his lady friend, Helen, to return from Paris when maybe she will tell him she is willing to marry him.

But before Helen returns Ernest Best is involved in several adventures which lead him into physical danger and he gains some unexpected allies. I enjoyed this well written Victorian mystery and I thought the background was well done. The characters are convincing too with the Best’s police colleagues being especially well drawn and believable.

This book continually surprised me with the story going off at tangents I had not foreseen. The ending was especially good I thought, though it wasn’t what I was expecting. I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys Victorian mysteries.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light fun read. It provides an interesting examination of that historical period in London. Enjoy the series.